‘Dr. Paul Fricke of the University of Wisconsin, Madison joins us on the Dairy Intelligent podcast to discuss the timely topic of utilizing sexed semen in dairy herds. We dive into the history of sexed semen, its effect on a booming heifer population, technologies and tools available to help with reproduction rates and more. Additionally, Dr. Fricke discusses the advances made in semen sexing technology and the future of sexed semen.

Dr. Fricke will overview two recent studies to optimize use of sexed semen in dairy herds. The first study evaluated timing of AI relative to induction of ovulation in primiparous Holstein cows. The second study evaluated three strategies for submission of nonlactating Holstein dairy heifers for first AI and included an economic analysis.

The profitability of beef semen in dairy is principally influenced by: 1) dairy and beef market calves prices, 2) reproductive performance, and 3) semen combination strategies. Due to the complex interaction among these factors and their inherent changing conditions, the quest for an optimal strategy is best served by the application of an integrated model and a decision support tool adaptable to ever-changing farm and market conditions.

Whereas the beneficial effects of cooling cows during lactation are clear, less work has been done to examine the impact of dry cow cooling on subsequent performance and health, and on the developing fetus. This presentation will explore the recent work related to late gestation cooling on milk yield, metabolism, and immune status in the cow, and also reviews the effects of in utero heat stress on the heifer calf. Finally, the economic implications of heat stress in the dry period will be explored.